Getting to Know Sydney & Eric

We had the incredible opportunity to talk with Lisa Hamilton Daly, the EVP of Programming at Hallmark Media, about the launch of the new Mystery Channel and what sleuthers can expect. 

You will definitely want to listen to this episode as she gives some VERY big hints of upcoming mysteries, including Signed, Seal,  Delivered.  There are even some clues to expect in the much-awaited follow-ups to Cut, Color, Murder, Nikki and Nora, as well as Franchesca Quinn.

In addition, she lays out Hallmark's plans to slow down releasing new mysteries and get to making the follow-ups to mysteries like Mystery Island and The Cases of Mystery Lane. She may even have hinted that Travis Burke will appear with Goldy and Tom in Curious Caterer. 

This episode is jam-packed with answers we have all wanted to hear. 

Enjoy.

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This podcast was created by fans for fans and is NOT affiliated with or sponsored by Hallmark or the Hallmark Channel.

Batman has his Robin.

Sherlock Holmes has his Holmes.

And every Hallmark mystery sleuther has their sidekick. 

In this episode, Andrea and Eric share their favorite sidekicks. We both love these secondary characters our top 5 ranking had to be extended to include a bonus sidekick. 

Andrea's Top 5
6.  Sally - Aurora Teagarden
5. Dani - Garage Sale Mysteries
4. Delores - Murder She Baked/Hannah Swensen Mysteries
3. Philby - Mystery Woman
2.  Bax - CrimeTime
1. Eamon - Haunted Harmony Mysteries

Eric's Top 5
6. Baroness Janie - Mystery Island
5. Bax - CrimeTime
4. Delores - Murder She Baked/Hannah Swensen Mysteries
3. Joanna - Darrow and Darrow
2. Nikki - Flower Shop Mysteries
1. Marla - Curious Caterer

Then, we took our weekly dive into the pond and discussed the latest episode of The Way Home. Eric, with the help of some medication, found it to be the best of the second season, while Andrea remained unimpressed. 

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This podcast was created by fans for fans and is NOT affiliated with or sponsored by Hallmark or the Hallmark Channel.

You got the Crime. We got the time. 

Hadley Warner (Greenwood), an experienced crime series actress, comes to a crossroads in her life and career when her television show is canceled. Unsure of her next step in life, she moves her family into the small mountain town of Mystic, Colorado, leaving her Los Angeles lifestyle behind. 

To her surprise, she is propelled back into her “old life” when a body seemingly falls from the sky and into her backyard. Hadley unexpectedly decides that with her years of character study and experience playing an on-screen crime investigator, she will help Detective Shawn Caden (Macfarlane) solve the case. 

Shawn isn’t initially a fan of her work or help, but he soon realizes Hadley is a fountain of knowledge and can act out of any situation with so much charm that he starts to fall for her.

Andrea and Eric had a blast discussing the latest Hallmark mystery, CrimeTime: Freefall, starring Lyndie Greenwood and Luke Macfarlane. 

This mystery had a lot of laughs and introduced us to one of our favorite supporting characters, Bax.

We dissect what worked and what parts we felt fell a little short. But there were definitely more highlights in the whacky mystery. 

Then we try to figure out where in the heck The Way Home is headed. The more we watch it, and the more we discuss it, the more we seem to be wavering between being lost and just generally disinterested. 

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This podcast was created by fans for fans and is NOT affiliated with or sponsored by Hallmark or the Hallmark Channel.

In this episode, Andrea tries to convince Eric that Aurora Teagarden is not the worst Hallmark mystery by having him watch Til Death Do Us Part. In this episode, while Aurora plans her marriage to Nick, they stumble on a decades-old murder. Of course, Aurora has to solve it. 

In addition, we are introduced to Aurora's father, a man seldom talked about and never seen before. 

So, was Til Death Do Us Part able to grab Eric's further interest?  Were the characters well developed? Was the mystery a quality whodunnit? 

After we discussed Aurora Teagarden, we delved into the latest episode of The Way Home.  Andrea and Eric have struggled with the basic premise of the second season of this series, as well as the story's pace. Eric also has some choice opinions on the mental health of the characters and the general level of toxicity of the show. 

Come along and have a listen; let us know if you have seen these shows and if you agree with our opinions. Or maybe we have inspired you to watch an episode of an old mystery you haven't seen. 

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This podcast was created by fans for fans and is NOT affiliated with or sponsored by Hallmark or the Hallmark Channel.

She directed the cliffhanger ending in Mystery 101 Deadly History. 

She directed the unresolved cliffhanger in Cut, Color, Murder.

Why does she do this to us sleuthers? Listen and find out!

We sat down and chatted with Stacey N. Harding about these classic Hallmark mysteries as well as some of her rom-com, including Love Classified, Hearts in the Game, and the holiday runaway hit Round and Round. 

Last, we discussed her upcoming new Hallmark mystery, Crime Time: Freefall, starring Luke Macfarlane and Lydie Greenwood.

This may be a long episode, but it is packed with great behind-the-scenes stories about some of your favorite Hallmark movies and mysteries. 

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This podcast was created by fans for fans and is NOT affiliated with or sponsored by Hallmark or the Hallmark Channel.

Set sail with us on a cinematic voyage where bewilderment meets charm aboard the Hallmark Mystery Channel's "The Mystery Cruise." Eric and I are your captains on this reflective journey, navigating the enigmatic waters of a film that mixes chaos with surprise enjoyment. Our candid conversation covers everything from director Ron Oliver's behind-the-scenes revelations to Carol Higgins Clark pulling double duty as writer and actress. By the end of our chat, you'll know why this film deserves more than a footnote in Hallmark's mystery anthology.

We're unpacking the treasure chest of talents in this 2013 mystery, marveling at missed opportunities for potential Hallmark regulars and giving a standing ovation to Gil Grady's accent acrobatics. As we reminisce about the film's nod to a nostalgic hairstylist sleuth series, we can't help but compare the tapestry of older Hallmark transitions to the razor-sharp focus of their current lineup. It's a mix of praise, confusion, and everything in between – it's not just a review, it's an experience you don't want to miss.

So, relax and join us for our light-hearted sign-off from a Hallmark gem that left us ready for more. Eric and I may have been at risk of being metaphorically 'thrown overboard' by "The Mystery Cruise," but we've docked safely and are already anticipating the next port of call in our series. Whether you're a Hallmark mystery aficionado or a weekend indulgence seeker, you'll find a kindred spirit in this discussion that's as vibrant as it is laid-back.

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This podcast was created by fans for fans and is NOT affiliated with or sponsored by Hallmark or the Hallmark Channel.

As the frosty Canadian winter melts away, we're stirring the pot with the Justice Warriors and a Jailbird, celebrating the nuances of the Great White North. From the artistic prowess of homegrown talents like Rachel McAdams to the vocal majesty of Celine Dion, we pour out love for our national icons while playfully sparring over the eclectic charm of Quebec's culture. Crack open a Molson and cozy up by the fire with us as we share stories that showcase the quirks of buying beer up north and the symbolic power of our beloved maple leaf.

Our gathering wouldn't be complete without diving into the gripping world of acting, ranging from the frantic auditions of Hallmark to the intricate dance of on-set chemistry. Our guests peel back the curtain on their most memorable roles, with tales of inclusive moments that define their craft. Hear the intimate connections that form behind the scenes and the surprising fan reactions that shape the journey of characters we've all come to love. 

And just before we call it a night, we speculate on the future, with a sneak peek at the projects that have our guests buzzing. Whether it's Nikki's compelling university lectures or Alex's original series, the pipeline is full of excitement. But we keep it real, acknowledging the tightrope walk of managing one's reputation in an industry that's always in the spotlight. So join us for a heartfelt send-off, full of gratitude for the laughs shared and the stories that connect us, Canadian or otherwise.

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This podcast was created by fans for fans and is NOT affiliated with or sponsored by Hallmark or the Hallmark Channel.

Step into the lavish world of 1895, as we dissect "Gilded Newport Mysteries: Murder at the Breakers," with our special guest, Eric, who brings a critical eye to the nuances of period piece filmmaking. We grapple with the film's shortcomings, from its pacing to its acting, and how the constraints of a Hallmark budget impact the overall delivery of a historical mystery. While the setting promises a wealth of opulence, the execution leaves us pondering the potential of a different cast and the director's role in shaping young actors' performances within the rushed reality of production schedules.

Navigating through the tangled love quadrangle of "Gilded Newport Mysteries," we ignite a debate over character chemistry and the leap from book pages to the silver screen, especially regarding the female lead's independence. Our discussion isn't just limited to a single title; we traverse the broader expanse of Gilded Age television, comparing fan reactions to shows like HBO Max's "The Gilded Age" and the cozy alternatives like "Miss Fisher's Mysteries." Through this exploration, we uncover recommendations for fellow enthusiasts of period mysteries and consider how historical fidelity resonates with audiences.

Rounding off our episode, we voice our heartfelt concerns about the current direction of a beloved TV show, sharing the personal connections we've formed with its storylines. The episode titled "When You Were Young, the Landry Women" stirs up not only nostalgia but also disappointment in the protagonist's emotional journey and the narrative's depth. As we look to the future, we eagerly anticipate our lively group interview with the Justice Warriors, promising insights and perhaps a bit of chaos, as we continue our quest for complex characters and captivating mysteries within our favorite period pieces.

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This podcast was created by fans for fans and is NOT affiliated with or sponsored by Hallmark or the Hallmark Channel.

Ever find yourself wondering if a movie sequel can reignite the magic of the original? Join Eric and Andrea as we dissect the return of "Garage Sale Mystery: Search and Seized." With a plot as clear as murky water, we tackle the unconvincing mystery and debate whether the series still carries its initial charm. While we rate the latest chapter a lukewarm three out of five, we can't deny the comfort in seeing familiar Hallmark faces—and the unexpected joy we find in the series' fashion choices and lovable side characters.

Finally, we're time-traveling—not literally, though that would be handy—to give you our candid take on The Way Home Season 2 and share nostalgic musings about high school life pre-technology. There's a dose of anticipation for the "Gilded Newport Mysteries," as well as a personal connection that makes our discussion about "The Way Home" series more than just another review. So, slide into those detective shoes and join us on this laughter-laced journey through the mysteries that keep us coming back for more.

Follow us on social media:
Instagram: @hallmarkmysteriesandmore
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Or visit our website.

This podcast was created by fans for fans and is NOT affiliated with or sponsored by Hallmark or the Hallmark Channel.

Step into the enchanting world of Hallmark mysteries as Ali Skovbye, the beloved Abby from "Gourmet Detective," graces our show to chat about her thrilling venture as Emma in "Gilded Newport Mysteries." Tapping into Ali's wealth of on-set anecdotes, we're treated to laughter and nostalgia, from her delirious day on set to her rise from a child actor to sharing scenes with A-listers. Plus, Ali faces our rapid-fire question gauntlet, revealing her take on pineapple pizza and the tunes that make her cringe. 

Our conversation takes an unexpected turn with a young star poised to shift Hallmark demographics, promising a fresh wave of sleuther enthusiasts. We wander through the intricacies of period-piece filmmaking, discussing the nuance and romance that give these stories their color and allure. From the impact of Danny Griffin's casting to the authenticity a British accent adds, this episode is a treasure trove for fans of historical intrigue.

As the curtains close on our session, the excitement is palpable for what lies ahead in Hallmark's vault of mysteries. We eagerly anticipate the evolution of our favorite characters and speculate on the sleuthing paths they may tread in 2024. Join us for this heartwarming rendezvous that stitches together the charm of yesteryears with the anticipation of future escapades, all neatly wrapped in the cozy embrace of Hallmark's storytelling tapestry.

Follow us on social media:
Instagram: @hallmarkmysteriesandmore
Youtube

Or visit our website.

This podcast was created by fans for fans and is NOT affiliated with or sponsored by Hallmark or the Hallmark Channel.